A safe and fun camping trip is simply impossible if you don’t have all the essentials at your disposal, and a power generator is one of them. Lights, refrigerators, personal electronics, sound systems, and entire caravans require stable electricity to run, a power generator being the only tool that can provide it. Below are all the important aspects you need to consider when shopping for a camping-ready generator.
Power Output
Generator power output is measured in watts. To figure out the sufficient power output for your needs, you need to multiply the running and starting wattages of all the appliances you want to connect and match it with generator models with the same power output. For example, these 3000 watt inverter generator models let you power up caravans and appliances with a total wattage of 3000. You need to pay most attention to applianced with electric motors as they usually require up to 3 times of their running power to start. For example, a 500-watt refrigerator will most probably require around 1200-1500 watts to start.
If you are planning to charge sensitive electronics, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and cameras, you also need to ensure that the generator is capable of charging these devices safely.
Weight and Size
The weight and size of a generator are directly related to the power output. For example, 1-2kW generators usually weigh around 20-40 pounds and have a fuel tank of around 0.7-1.5 gallons. Larger 2-4kW generators weigh up to 65 pounds and have fuel tanks of up to 2-2.5 gallons. Make sure that you have enough place in your vehicle and enough strength to carry your generator around. Besides, you need to look for the right balance between the fuel tank size and the power output to ensure that the generator can run long enough without interruptions.
Photo by Lance Anderson on Unsplash
Power Source
Most portable generators run on gasoline, but onboard models can also run on:
- diesel – usually used on diesel-powered caravans;
- liquid propane – usually used on towable caravans;
- hybrid gasoline-propane system – available in both portable and onboard generators and allow extended working hours without interruptions.
- solar – this generator type uses solar panels for charging and a large Li-ion battery instead of a fuel tank.
Outlets
The number of outlets and their types depend on your user preferences, but the more types you have, the more versatile your generator setup is. Here are the outlet types to look for:
- AC 220V
- AC 120V
- 12V 8A DC
- 5V 3A-max USB
Noise Level
Campground prohibits the use of loud generators. That’s why you should look for a generator that makes not more than 50-70 dB, which is equal to the loudness of an average conversation.
Have a Nice Trip!
Now you can choose a perfect generator model for your camping purposes and relax without any worries about the power supply. The market offers a large variety of camping generators of different sizes and capabilities, so it won’t be a problem for you to find the most cost-effective option.
Cover photo by Dave Hoefler on Unsplash
